Doi Ang Khang

Doi Ang Khang (ดอยอ่างขาง) or just Angkhang is a mountain resort at the northwestern tip of Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand.

Understand

Doi Ang Khang Camping

Doi Ang Khang is about 40 km due west of Fang. It takes about 1 hr to drive there. The area has a cool climate all year round, particularly from Dec-Jan, when much of the area is frosty. During that period, visitors should be prepared to cope with relatively cold weather.

Get in

If coming by car on the Chiang Mai-Fang road (Hwy 107), turn left at an intersection around km137 (at Mae Kha Market) and proceed to Doi Ang Khang for another 25 km. It is a steep zigzagging asphalt road. Vehicles should be roadworthy and drivers experienced.

It's possible to take a songthaew from Mae Kha to Doi Ang Khang, but departures are irregular and you'll probably need to charter it.

Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station

Get around

There is no public transportation to or within Doi Ang Khang. As the road to Doi An Khang is winding, hiring a driver is recommended if you feel uncomfortable navigating the steep hairpin turns uphill and downhill yourself.

See

• Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station (สถานีเกษตรหลวงอ่างขาง). A demonstration site for planting and researching flowering plants, temperate fruit trees, vegetables, and other crops under the patronage of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. It is much more interesting than it sounds! The grounds are beautiful and bicycles can be hired by the hour. The restaurant at the back of the park serves local produce and a large fireplace adorns the lobby. The temperature is recorded on a board outside. A temperature of -3 C was recorded in 2008/09. 50 baht per person; 50 baht per vehicle (motorbikes free). 
• Bonsai Garden (สวนบอนไซ) (in front of the ag station). The garden includes temperate and winter plants of Thailand and overseas, all of which are decorated, cut and planted with the bonsai technique. Touring around the bonsai garden, visitors can also see herbs plantings. The best time to visit is from Nov-Jan. 
• Kiu Lom Viewpoint (จุดชมวิวกิ่วลม). a scenic spot to watch sunrises and sunsets including a sea of clouds. It overlooks the delightful ambience of the mountains. On a clear day, the Ang Khang Royal Agricultural Station can be seen. 
• Mu Ban Khop Dong (หมู่บ้านขอบด้ง). home to Musoes. The tribe believe in ghosts and spirits and still hold on to simple ways of life. The royal project has supported this village in promoting agriculture and handicrafts. The Young Local Guide Project is underway to guide visitors on the local lifestyle and beliefs, as well as to create non-migration awareness in local youths. 
• Mu Ban Khum (หมู่บ้านคุ้ม) (near the Royal Agricultural Station). a small community comprising people of various races such as Burmese, Hwa, and Thai Yai. They settled in the area and run souvenir shops and restaurants. 
• Mu Ban No Lae (หมู่บ้านนอแล) (on the Thai-Burmese border). The people of No Lae migrated from Myanmar about 15 years ago. They speak their own language and are Buddhists. On every Buddhist holiday, they stay home to practice the Buddhist precepts. No Lae village offers a magnificent view of natural scenery of the Thai-Burmese border. 
• Mu Ban Luang (หมู่บ้านหลวง). Settled by Yunnan Chinese who migrated here during WWII. They earn a living from agriculture. 

Do

Mrs Gould's Sunbird photographed at Doi Ang Khang

Ang Khang Nature Resort offers the following activities:

• Birdwatching More than 1,000 species of birds can be seen. The best spots are Mae Phoe forest station and around Ang Khang Nature Resort.
• Mountain biking Ban Khum-No Lae, Ban Luang-Ban Pha Daeng.
• Mule riding This is best done by sitting facing sideways because the wide saddle will not allow a horseback-riding style. Bookings must be made at least one day in advance with the resort as mules are normally used to carry agricultural produce.
• Natural Study Trek A 2 km trek showing small but beautiful waterfalls and rhododendra.

Eat

• Ms Buakaew Intha's Ang Khang Muslim Food Shop (Right in front of the traffic circle at the park entrance). According to Alan Dawson of the Bangkok Post, it "serves the best khao soi above 500 metres in all of ASEAN." (updated Dec 2017)

Sleep

A selection of A-frame bungalows with en suite facilities is located to the rear of Ban Khang village, run by several of the restaurants. Travel light as there are a number of flights of steps to ascend to get to the bungalows. Rooms go for around 800 baht a night in the high season.

• Angkhang Villa (in the centre of Doi Ang Khang), ☏ +66 53 450010. 1,200-4,500 baht. 
• Camping at Monson viewpoint